Phuket

From the mountains straight to the sea. We flew from Chiang Mai to Phuket on 9 December 2023 (12.45pm to 2.50pm) and spent three nights on the island: one in Phuket Town and two in Nai Harn, the prettiest corner of the island, in the far south.

Where to Sleep?

Phuket is big, and where you stay changes everything. Nai Harn is the prettiest and calmest, Patong has the most going on, and Karon is the most popular. We spent our first night at Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel in Phuket Town and the next two at Roost Glamping in Nai Harn.

Tip: The Phuket Smart Bus runs along the west coast between the airport and Rawai, and it is much cheaper than a taxi. From Rawai our hotel came to pick us up.

Old Phuket Town

The old centre is full of colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, Buddhist and Chinese temples, museums, boutiques and cafés. Most of it is on Thalang Road and Soi Romanee, the prettiest street in town.

For dinner, Tu Kab Khao serves traditional Phuket food in an old house. For a night out, Timber Hut and Rockin' Angels have live music.

The beaches

The beaches are the best thing about Phuket, and the most beautiful are on the west coast. From north to south:

• Mai Khao: the longest beach on the island, 11 kilometres, just north of the airport.
• Nai Yang: inside Sirinat National Park, so there is little development.
• Surin: lined with smart hotels, bars and restaurants.
• Freedom Beach: only 300 metres long, with great snorkelling and amazing scenery.
• Karon: one of the most popular, but so big it never feels crowded.
• Kata and Kata Noi: both beautiful, with Kata Noi the smaller and quieter one.
• Nai Harn: relaxed, with a local feel and rugged scenery around it.
• Ya Nui: small, and good for kayaking.
• Rawai: on the south coast, one of the oldest beaches on the island, where you can watch the fishermen at work.

Tip: On many beaches you can rent a mask, snorkel and fins and explore on your own.

What else to see

The Big Buddha

A 45 metre white marble Buddha on top of Nakkerd Hill, with a wide view over the island. Open every day from 6am to 6.30pm.

Promthep Cape

The southern tip of the island, right next to Nai Harn, and the most famous place to watch the sunset in Phuket.

Khao Rang Viewpoint

A hill above Phuket Town with a view over the city and the bay.

Naka Weekend Market

Phuket's big night market, full of food, clothes and some very strange things. Go early, because the crowds get crazy. Open from 4pm to 10pm.

If you have more time

• A sunset cruise around the southern cape of the island.
• A day trip to the Similan Islands, some of the best snorkelling in Thailand.